Association between spinopelvic alignment and the development of degenerative spondylolisthesis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction: Spinopelvic parameter may result in the development of degenerative spondylolisthesis. However, previous studies show conflicting results; some found a significant relationship of some of these parameters with degenerative spondylolisthesis, while others did not. Previously, there was no meta-analysis regarding the association between spinopelvic alignment and degenerative spondylolisthesis. This meta-analysis aims to determine the association between spinopelvic alignment and degenerative spondylolisthesis. Methods: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses are based on the selected item reporting method for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA). A literature search was performed using PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect, Cochrane, and Google Scholar. Methodological quality is based on the cross-sectional checklist of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) quality check methodology and the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) for cohort studies. Statistical analysis was performed using Rev-Man 5.3. Subgroup analyses were performed based on ethnicity and study design to ascertain racial relations and heterogeneity. Results: A total of 3236 articles were obtained. Of these, we found that pelvic incidence (mean difference [MD] = 11.94 [1.81–22.08], P = 0.02), pelvic tilt (MD = 4.47 [0.81–8.14]), P = 0.02), and age (MD = 11.94 [1.81–22.08], P = 0.02) were associated with the development of degenerative spondylolisthesis. Conclusion: This meta-analysis proves that pelvic incidence, pelvic tilt, and age are associated with degenerative spondylolisthesis.